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Natural Resource Governance And International Investment Agreements(IIAs) In West Africa:The Quest For Efficient IIAs

Posted on:2019-10-16Degree:MasterType:Thesis
Institution:UniversityCandidate:AKOSUA SERWAAH AKOTOFull Text:PDF
GTID:2370330545997761Subject:International Law
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
"It is said...that we cannot even agree among ourselves how best to utilize our resources for our own social needs.Yet all stock exchanges in the world are preoccupied with Africa’s gold,diamonds,uranium,platinum,copper and iron ore.”Kwame Nkrumah(First President of Ghana,1963)Attaining a sustainable future is one of the most pressing challenges of our time.Essentially,transformation in the management of natural resources and ecosystems is a necessity to curtail inequality,poverty,and conflict,increase human well-being and livelihoods as well as development opportunities in Africa.A paradox which trends in discussions about Africa and its subregions,specifically,West Africa is how a continent so rich in diverse and important natural resources can be so poor in all aspects of development?In theory,natural resources and its accompanying wealth should strengthen economic growth,provide support for human development and create job opportunities for the populace.Contrary to this perception,natural resources in Africa has often led to poverty,inequality and violent conflict to mention a few.There are numerous multinational companies who are basically from developed and emerging countries who have invested and continue to invest in this region due to the richness of the continent.These countries have the backing of their governments through the conclusion of International Investment Agreements with African countries with the objective of promoting and protecting their investors and investments while African countries engage in these agreements in order to encourage,attract and promote foreign direct investment.The viewpoint of efficient and effective International Investment Agreements is of great significance to the governance of natural resources in Africa.For investors,the main concern is usually to generate profitable returns.For the host country and the community,the main aim is or should be to promote equitable and sustainable development that is justifiable social,economic and environmental development.Hence,the quality of governance and investment in natural resources,not just the measure,is very significant to achieve a thriving,steady and equitable Africa.
Keywords/Search Tags:natural resource, governance, investment agreements, sustainable development
PDF Full Text Request
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